Camp Journal - Ardeche, France

The wind blew the campers awake and through breakfast as everyone prepared for a full day.

Just outside of Thueyts at the foot of Massive Central the Via ferrata greeted activity groups one, two and three. The children followed a course up and down cliffs on the valley walls. An aerial 100 meter long, 70 meter high zip line join the two cliff walls together. The kids protected themselves with two crap like carabineers whilst moving across the granite face.

After the intense activity they cooled themselves in the river under the Pont du Diable which was followed by some very welcomed ice cream.

French groups had the opportunity to participate in all day bandana activities. The campers were driven to the limestone cliffs of Mazet, about 30 minutes west of camp. All morning the 18 kids rotated through the varying difficulty climbs belaying eachother while motivating and coaching.

After lunch keen climbers continued to climb teaching one another new moves, abseiling, bouldering and lead climbing. The shore of the Chassazac river gave the others a chance to create stone sculptures attempting to develop the tallest and most stable. Swimming skills were discussed as the kids enjoyed the challenge of swimming 50 meters, rock jumping and under water games. Chinese stone therapy and stone skipping brought the afternoon to an end.

A windy dinner led the campers to the Grand Descente prep. Campers busily packed their dry barrels and mentally prepared themselves for the next two days on the river. An early bedtime silenced the camp.

We'll tell you all about our river adventures on Thursday!